Oldham have been hit by a keeper crisis just as they enter the final stage of their fight against relegation.

Thanks to a kidney injury to first choice Allan McGregor, Hull City boss Steve Bruce recalled loan stopper Mark Oxley on Thursday’s deadline day leaving Latics with Paul Rachubka as their only realistic option to go between the sticks.

Former United youth product Rachubka has spent most of the campaign on the bench but has recently taken the jersey away from Oxley – although Johnson does not believe that was why the Tigers recalled him.

“I don’t think Steve sees much of a difference between Oxley and his other keepers so he wants to have a look at them, which is fair enough,” he said.

He is confident Rachubka can do a job, starting with the visit of promotion-chasing Brentford.

“He has done very well and was in possession of the shirt anyway so we’re fine with that,” said Johnson.

“If he gets injured that may be another story!”

Although the window is closed clubs are allowed to sign keepers on loan in case of an emergency. The match sees the return of old boy James Tarkowski and Johnson is hoping the Latics faithful can make things difficult for their former favourite.

“We’re looking for a cracking atmosphere and I know they are capable of it,” he said. “This place can be quite intimidating when it gets rocking and we are going to need that from start to finish.

“In this league anyone can beat anyone and although they have spent a lot of money and are a strong side, we are in pretty good shape.”